Sunday, January 13, 2013

Be the change you want to see in the world!

I have been spending a lot of time thinking about the the way things are going lately from negative attitudes at work to the negativity that is surrounding Sandy Hook Elementary. I can't help but think of all of the amazing people with their unique talent and ideas who feel hopeless and sad, especially all of the victims' families as well as the brave students and teachers who are still in that little town in Connecticut who want to move forward. I have heard so many people and seen so many videos talking about how difficult things are going to be for them and how much they are going to have to struggle, but I know from experience that feelings of pity and sadness aren't very helpful in tragic situations. That was when I realized (with a lot of help from my friends and family) that the families, teachers, and students need to feel HOPE and LOVE - we ALL need to feel that! So, I thought a little project might be the best way to get collective happy thoughts and positive prayers into that community and into the rest of the world since it seems that every one of us needs to start looking at things a little differently. We all have special strengths and abilities and we are all capable of love. Unfortunately, it seems that the focus is always on weaknesses and disabilities and everyone knows that negativity can only lead to more negativity. Since I have always encouraged my students to realize that they can make a difference because they have gifts, talents, and a voice of their own, I would like everyone to help me share one of my students' favorite assignments with as many people as possible because I know it is one small, but perfect way for every individual to shine in their own special way regardless of their age, race, religion, ethnic heritage, intelligence style, or physical characteristics. Dr. Martin Luther King once said, "I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

The world needs a few more dreamers, so I want everyone to create something to illustrate a positive aspect of their own dream. This project has no parameters and no rubric - the sky is the limit! Show the rest of the world what hope and love look like to you.

Step 1: In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the people who need to flourish at Sandy Hook Elementary, and any special people in your life who inspire you to celebrate life and unique abilities, I would like ALL of you to work on this project. Create something any way that makes you happy - pictures, videos, music, poetry, dance, art, research, baked goods, clothes, technology, etc. etc. etc. - the possibilities are literally endless!!Step 2: Spread the assignment to any teachers, students, professors, artists, musicians, churches, equality organizations, civil rights activists or just fun people that you know!Step 3: Have FUN with this and feel the HOPE and LOVE <3Step 4: Once you are finished playing, if you feel like sharing your magic and insight, post it as a reply to this blog, post it to your Facebook/Tumblr/Instagram page, tweet about it, email it to the people in charge, and/or just hang it on your fridge. #postiveispowerful #sandyhookhope

3 comments:

I'm going to present this to my students because we have been writing and reflecting about goals for the year and changes we would like to see in the world around us and let them interpret it as they would like and come up with their own "project" that would be the most meaningful for them!

One small way that I do something like this in the classroom is to (as a speaking and listening activity) have students hold a fake awards ceremony in class where they need to "accept" an award that they created and gave to themselves. For example, a student who is a good artist might present him/herself with a special "most creative digital artist" award. It's a fun way to share our special talents and strengths!